Last week I talked glam and this week I'm looking at gifts. It's December and we all have our eye on something fabulous for this year's stocking. In case you are baffled from the overwhelming choice of clothes, gadgets and gorgeous things, I have put together some ideas to help to fill your wish list. Whether you are looking to self-indulge in a treat for yourself or you need some inspiration for a loved one, I'm here to the rescue. I've trawled the shops and online space and come up with some super ideas!
The online solution…
If I had a penny for every time a man asked me for gift ideas for their partners, I would be nicely settled in a mansion somewhere along the south of France. For the males out there, head over to rubycotton.com; a site that will help you pick out a super outfit for the women in your lives. RubyCotton has developed a clever online tool to select clothes based on body shape. It's as simple as choosing the shape that best represents her, and it will throw up lots of dress, tops, and skirt ideas for you! The site is 100 per cent local-owned and Irish-owned and with next day delivery, you can have your Christmas shopping land on your doorstep.
Don’t forget to get beautified
It’s so easy to lose yourself in the world of beauty. Being a self-professed beauty junkie, I can hand on heart say that finding the ultimate beauty solutions is a massive challenge. We have access to an abundance of products and goodies and making sure we choose products that deliver results and satisfy a need, is something to remember. Glossybox.co.uk has come up with a great idea where you can register to receive a box of glorious products every month (all in sample size ) so you can try out a variety of products without splurging. Glossy Box is currently available for women and they are shortly launching a men’s range too. Log onto www.glossybox.co.uk for all the details and conditions.
The cult hair gadget of the moment has to be the Babyliss Wave Envy (€64.99 ), which creates beach-style waves in all types of hair. So if you want to embrace your inner Kesha or your very own Laura Whitmore, this is definitely one to add to the list.
Not forgetting the boys….
Honestly, I find it a retail challenge to find something nice when shopping for the males in my family, especially when it comes to clothes. We consistently buy Dads ties and handkerchiefs which are none too interesting, but while on the hunt for gift ideas, I recently discovered a gorgeous range of wallets by Fossil available at Kilkenny stores (from €29.95 ). Made with genuine leather and in a variety of colours and styles, it’s an essential item for any man. Or if you want to spoil the man in your life with something very special, treat him to something stylish like a Belstaff leather jacket or a Paul Smith shirt, available at Brown Thomas Cork, Galway, Limerick and Dublin.
Don’t forget to accessorise…
I was once given a piece of advice that a good leather bag is not only a wardrobe must have, but should always be given as a gift. Whether you are lucky enough to find one in your stocking, or just want to make an investment, I am head over heels for Max Mara handbags, also available at Brown Thomas. If you are thinking of giving a bag, stick to simple structures and colours which are timeless and less driven by trends. Or if you prefer some sparkle, Daisy stackable rings have become hugely popular and make a lovely present for your close friends. You can design your own online and make a gift that is unique, and of course, incredibly pretty. Check www.daisyjewellery.com for a list of stockists across the country.
And there’s always a bargain
Bargains make us gloat. Full stop. And a pre-Christmas bargain is an added bonus. A few ideas for stocking fillers include a gorgeous chunky cardigan from Penney’s, wellies from Dunnes (a winter must have ) and show stopping boots from AWear.
So there you have it, get prepared for Christmas and always make a shopping list. Your purse will thank you.
